They made hard work of it in the end. Not that Cambridge cared, though.

After six years of crushing disappointment, in a yearly fixture that was becoming more of a procession for the Dark Blues, Cambridge are finally Varsity champions.

It was not the prettiest of games, but a fine display from fly-half Fraser Gillies and the back row in the second half would secure a 23-18 victory for the Light Blues in the 135th Varsity Match.

In an incredibly tight first half, it would be Oxford who would strike first.

Dark Blue’s fly-half Basil Strang needed two efforts on goal to find his range. He pulled his first penalty wide before making it 3-0 moments later.

In many ways Cambridge were their own worst enemies. While they defended stoically, particularly Charlie Amesbury who put in a few big hits throughout the opening exchanges, especially on Oxford Winger Ed Davies, the pressure was self-inflicted.

The understandably frantic pace of the game made the spectacle suffer somewhat.

Both teams were static in defence and in attack Cambridge’s line was too deep meaning any kicks they made were largely unopposed.

Oxford’s kicks rarely found their intended destination either, with the back three of Amesbury, Simon Davies and Henry King dealing with everything that was thrown at them.

The Light Blues grew into the match, though, and a smart chip from Gillies, one of the real moments of quality in the opening period, nearly put Davies in, only for him to knock it on under immense pressure from Oxford winger Tom Stileman.

Fine margins often make the differences in games like this, and you had a feeling Cambridge’s luck might be in when they scored an intercepted try off one of Oxford’s passing moves that had served them so well all game.

Dark Blue’s full-back Matt Geiger made the dummy run which, instead of pulling Cambridge’s defence apart, made the line step up so when Henry de Berker made a pass Michael Phillips was in prime position to pick if off to score.

Gillies conversion made it 7-3 at the break.

Cambridge allowed Oxford a route back into the game with only a minute on the clock in the second period after giving away a penalty which Strang converted to make it 7-6.

The Light Blues’ back rows really started to dominate proceedings, forcing three Oxford penalties in the next 10 minutes, allowing Gillies to add a further six points.

Henry Hughes was the catalyst for most of Oxford’s good play and he slipped another tackle creating a two-on-one before popping off to Geiger who Amesbury and Gillies managed to bundle out between them.

After 20 minutes of complete domination, the old problems would come back to haunt Cambridge.

Two penalties helped Oxford get to within 10 metres of the Light Blue’s line and after a driving maul and a few phases of play, it was a simple a case of passing along the line to allow Hughes to score. Strang converted to level the scores at 13-13.

Gillies had the chance to restore Cambridge’s lead on 63 minutes after they got a penalty for holding on, but the fly-half pulled it just wide.

He got another chance five minutes later in front of the posts which he duly converted to make it 16-13.

Strang pulled another kick wide on 71 minutes.

The miss would seem even more costly moments after an exceptional play by Cambridge.

A second crossfield kick of the match from Gillies’, whose decision making had been impeccable all day, found Lare Erogbogbo who stepped inside and played in Rory Triniman.

The centre was tackled by Strang but showed superb composure and determination to twist his body away before scoring one handed.

After a lengthy review, the TMO awarded the try.

Gillies nailed the touchline conversion to make it 23-13.

The Dark Blues were not finished though, and on 76 minutes a simple passing move left Nic Roberts-Huntley on the overlap and he played the ball inside to Ed David who ran, unopposed, to score.

Strang narrowly missed the conversion leaving the Light Blues with a five-point lead.

The Light Blues showed great composure even making it to Oxford’s 22 as the clock headed towards 80 minutes.

That would be enough though and the referee’s whistle sparked jubilation among the Light Blues on the pitch and in the crowd.